Whipple Road at Pine Street All-Way Stop Control Conversion Project

Project Number

PW-26-14

Project Description

This project involves converting the existing Two-Way Stop Control (TWSC) intersection of Whipple Road at Pine Street to an All-Way Stop Control (AWSC) intersection.

Whipple Road at Pine Street is located adjacent to the Tewksbury Department of Public Works.  Currently the intersection is free-flowing along Whipple Road and stop-controlled on Pine Street.  The existing intersection has less than optimal roadway geometry, poor sight distances, large radius corners, and has been the location of numerous motor vehicle accidents in recent years.

A traffic signal warrant analysis was performed on this intersection.  The result of that analysis indicated that this intersection does not meet the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warranting criteria for installation of a traffic signal.   However, the intersection did meet the MUTCD warranting criteria for All-Way Stop Control.

All-Way Stop Control (AWSC) is a relatively low-cost countermeasure to mitigate intersection conflicts, including angle-type crashes with through or turning vehicles.  AWSC improves interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users.  AWSC address approaches with inadequate sight distances by allocating right-of-way.  Once converted, there will be stop signs on all four approaches to the intersection.

All-Way Stop works by requiring vehicles from every direction to come to a complete stop, then follow a “first come, first served” rule.

Nearby communities including Billerica, MA have successfully converted intersections (Salem Road at Gray Street) to AWSC.  The project has the support of the Tewksbury Police Department, Tewksbury Fire Department, and the Select Board.

A MassDOT Materials Procurement Grant application has been submitted for this project.  If awarded, the grant would provide some of the signage, sign posts, and sign post reflectors to be utilized on the project.   Solar-Powered Flashing LED Stop Signs are planned to be utilized.

In addition to the new signage at the intersection, there will be updated pavement markings, advance signage, and advance pavement legends (“STOP AHEAD”).   Granite curbing is to be installed on all four corners of the intersection and some short segments of new sidewalk will be installed at the intersection with the intention of connecting to those sidewalks as part of a larger Whipple Road sidewalk project in the future.  

Variable Message Boards will be deployed for several weeks in advance of the conversion advising motorists of the upcoming change in traffic pattern.   Message boards will remain in place for several weeks after the conversion until motorists become accustomed to the change in traffic pattern.

Project Location

Whipple Road at Pine Street, Tewksbury, MA

Anticipated Construction Dates

Work is anticipated to occur in Spring 2026.

Typical Work Hours

Monday to Friday from 7:00AM to 3:30PM excluding holidays.

Roadway Closure/Detour Information

This information will be posted here once it becomes available.

Project Updates

Project Updates will be posted here once available.

Contractor

The contractor for this project is to be determined.